Precious Sets Five Records At World Championships

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For immediate release
November 12, 2004

Precious Sets Five Records At World Powerlifting Championships

Precious McKenzie has set five new world records in winning his events in the Masters 68 Plus class at the World Powerlifting Championships at Reno, Nevada, in the US. Four records were set in the bench press discipline and one in the deadlift.

In winning the deadlift, Precious injured his back - a legacy, he says, of a drastic weight loss programme the day before the event.

"I had to lose eight pounds to make my weight division," says Precious, "so spent about five hours in the sauna to shed the weight."

A weakened Precious says he had enough energy left for one big lift in the deadlift. Fortunately, it was enough to win and set another world record in the process.

Although, his competition is over, the ‘McKenzie Show’ continues on Saturday with Precious’ grandson Taurean McKenzie, 22, competing in the Junior Men’s 75kg class in what will be his first international event.

Speaking from Reno last night, Taurean said he was confident although the competition looked pretty fierce.

"The best powerlifters in the world are here," said Taurean. "I’m still a novice, but I’m sure I’ll give my competitors something to think about."

Proud to be competing alongside his famous grandfather, Taurean said he was amazed to find another grandfather/grandson team (from Hawaii) competing at the event.

Despite his back injury, Precious says he has no thoughts of retiring. He admits he’s addicted to ‘blasting the competition out of the water’.

However, he also admits his thoughts are already returning to Precious, the planned movie on his life story. He says he’ll resume helping the South African producers promote the film project to potential funders on his return to New Zealand next week.
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